Shopping column: More than a fancy gown sale

Bishop Luers event aims to raise awareness of teen dating violence.

A column by Cindy Larson

Friday, November 9, 2012 - 12:01 am

Bishop Luers High School is hosting an event at 6 p.m. Wednesday to raise awareness of teen dating violence and to provide new and gently used formal dresses for purchase for $25. The Heather's Closet Sale Event will be at the school, 333 E. Paulding Road, in Room 104. Enter through door 3.

The event is named after Heather Ancelet Norris, a 20-year-old who lost her life at the hands of an abusive boyfriend in 2007. In her memory and as a way of bringing awareness to teen dating violence, the school will host a speaker from the Center for Nonviolence to discuss the issue, and Joni Kuhn will share Heather's story.

With each gown sold, the school will provide safety tips, phone numbers and Heather's story. Proceeds from the event will enable Heather's Closet to host future guest speakers and purchase additional information about domestic violence.

Information: Call Joni Kuhn at 456-1261, Ext. 3020.

It's that time

I really can't deny that the holiday season is upon us. Seems it stretches two full months now, from Nov. 1 until New Year's.

So in that spirit, this column is full of holiday-related shopping news:

If you're looking for a unique, inexpensive gift, consider a handmade ornament or Nativity from the Orchard Gallery of Fine Art, 6312-A Covington Road. The gallery is featuring pieces from several artists now through Dec. 31.

All are made by American artists, many of whom are local. Some examples: porcelain cat bells by Kim Rorick; raku-fired ornaments by Sue Davis and Steve Vachon; mixed-metal ornaments by Janet Webb; whimsical clay ornaments and tree sculptures by Kristy Jo Beber; mixed media on wood ornaments by Marsha Filipiak; blown-glass ornaments by Larry Mack; ornaments made from gourds by Sue Westhues and Alison Adams; colorful wooden puzzle ornaments by Russell Greenslade; and clay ornaments by Wabash artist Sue Scamihorn.

The gallery will host a holiday open house 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1. Meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments and a 10 percent discount on all purchases made that day, the only day of the year the gallery offers any kind of discount.

Target's snazzy gift cards

Gift cards are often appreciated but sometimes seem like boring gifts. However, Target has upped the wow factor this holiday season with interactive cards that are almost like gifts themselves. They're available on Target.com and in stores.

Here's what they do:

•Draw 'n Go includes a marker and special bull's-eye dog car. Guests can draw on a piece of paper with the marker, and the car will follow what was drawn.

Kohl's deals

Kohl's has several special holiday events and promotions planned, including:

•Dream Receipts: Kohl's will pick up the tab for one winner in every store every day from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24. A Kohl's shopper will be picked at random every day in every Kohl's store and on Kohls.com.

Kohl's will pay for each winner's entire purchase and will give the winners an additional $10 transferable promotional gift so that they can help “pay it forward” by giving it to someone else for this holiday season. Over the 32-day period, Kohl's will reward more than 36,500 Dream Receipt winners.

•For every new person who “likes” Kohl's Facebook page from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24, Kohl's will donate $1 to Toys for Tots, up to $500,000.

•Kohl's will open its doors nationwide at 12 a.m. Nov. 23 (Black Friday). Stores will be open for 24 straight hours. Online shoppers can start saving with all Early Bird specials available on Kohls.com on Nov. 21 and, like last year, all day on Thanksgiving.

Jefferson Pointe's holiday plans

Speaking of Jefferson Pointe, the following stores will open at 12:01 a.m. on Black Friday: Aeropostale, American Eagle, Bath and Body Works, The Buckle, Claire's Accessories, GameStop, Justice, Old Navy, ULTA Salon, Victoria's Secret and White House Black Market. Chick-fil-A will be open for sustenance.

Just in time for the holidays

Alex Toys includes jumbo crayons, painting sponges, duct tape crafts, a Sticker Factory, and other art supplies and activity kits for kids ages 2 to 10. Many of the products in the Alex Toys line have won awards from toy review organizations and consumer magazines. Phil's Parkwest Plaza store is at 3938 Illinois Road.

Don't forget …

… the New to You Sale of gently used toys, clothing, furniture, housewares and more is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday in the former location of Marshall Field's (upper level) at Glenbrook Square, 4201 Coldwater Road. You'll find designer items at bargain prices in a boutique area. The last hour, 2-3 p.m. will be a bag sale, when you can fill a small bag for $3 or a large bag for $10. The sale is a fundraiser for the Junior League of Fort Wayne.

Menswear store hosts party

Christopher James Menswear in Covington Plaza, 6410 W. Jefferson Blvd., is hosting a Robert Graham and Donald Pliner party on Thursday. Representatives from the sportswear company and shoe company will show their newest looks for this season. The event runs noon-7 p.m. but the food from Catablu, wine from WineTime and music from the Mark Maxwell Sax Experience takes place 4-7 p.m. Contact Chris at Chris@CJMenswear.com for more details.

Vendors will donate a portion of their proceeds to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, which supports breast cancer education and awareness via programs such as the Komen Race for the Cure and the NFL's “A Crucial Catch” campaign.